Thinking about taxes in October may be scary for some business owners, but accountants and financial advisors are already looking past seasonal holidays in the fourth quarter to the coming year.

Paul Etzler, a principal with the accounting and auditing department of Skoda Minotti, a Mayfield, Ohio firm, says that with a little planning now, business owners can ensure they take advantage of all of the appropriate deductions and credits for the 2011 tax year.

There are thousands of dollars at stake, too, with several important rules expiring this year unless Congress acts to extend them.